Fox to merge Shine with ‘Idol’ maker Core Media and Endemol, both controlled by Apollo

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Media giant 21st Century Fox says that it has agreed preliminarily to merge its TV production company Shine, maker of “The Biggest Loser,” with Apollo Management’s Endemol and Core Media Group, the makers of shows such as “Big Brother” and “American Idol.”

Fox and Apollo would have a 50-50 stake in the venture and jointly manage it.

The aim is to further the spread of hit shows around the world while funding the creation of new ones. There are already versions of “Idol” in more than 100 countries.

It’s not immediately clear what will happen with Elisabeth Murdoch, who is Shine’s chairman and is the daughter of Rupert Murdoch, who controls Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. through a family trust that owns shares.